Beans

Craig Kohlruss/MCT

The sustenance of diverse cultures throughout the centuries, "Beans are superstars, because not only do they contain complex carbohydrates, they're great sources of protein," says Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., author of "Nutrition At Your Fingertips." Beans also contain important minerals, vitamins and fiber. Eating beans has been linked with lowering blood cholesterol levels, body weight, and rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and diabetes.

The sustenance of diverse cultures throughout the centuries, "Beans are superstars, because not only do they contain complex carbohydrates, they're great sources of protein," says Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., author of "Nutrition At Your Fingertips." Beans also contain important minerals, vitamins and fiber. Eating beans has been linked with lowering blood cholesterol levels, body weight, and rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and diabetes. (Craig Kohlruss/MCT)

The sustenance of diverse cultures throughout the centuries, "Beans are superstars, because not only do they contain complex carbohydrates, they're great sources of protein," says Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., author of "Nutrition At Your Fingertips." Beans also contain important minerals, vitamins and fiber. Eating beans has been linked with lowering blood cholesterol levels, body weight, and rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and diabetes.